The 8 Essential Steps of Troop Leading Procedures

Troop Leading Procedures (TLP) provide a systematic approach for military leaders to plan and execute missions effectively.

These offer a clear framework to guide teams through preparation, decision-making, and action, ensuring operational success.

Each step builds on the previous, emphasizing thorough analysis, communication, and adaptability in dynamic situations.

With that in mind, let us talk about the steps of Troop Leading Procedures.

Step #1: Receive the Mission

Receiving the mission forms the groundwork for the Troop Leading Procedures (TLP). Leaders gather mission details through formats like warning orders (WARNORD), operations orders (OPORD), or fragmentary orders (FRAGO).

This step begins the planning process and lays the foundation for a successful mission. Leaders must carefully interpret the order to ensure clarity and alignment with the higher command’s intent.

Each of these elements influences the leader’s preliminary assessment and decision-making process.

Example: Recognizing the challenges posed by mountainous regions or severe weather conditions can guide route selection and equipment preparation.

Seeing mission objectives helps prioritize tasks, ensuring all resources are directed toward achieving desired outcomes. Identifying potential enemy threats ensures countermeasures are embedded into the plan. Time constraints and troop availability must align to avoid overextending personnel and resources.

Immediately review the mission’s critical goals and clarify any ambiguities through communication with higher command.

Step #2: Issue a Warning Order (WARNORD)

The warning order (WARNORD) plays a crucial role in initiating early preparation for a mission.

It is a second step of Troop Leading Procedures that ensures subordinates receive sufficient information to start their planning processes while the broader mission plan is still being developed.

Leaders issue the WARNORD promptly, providing initial details that allow for coordination and readiness.

Early communication ensures subordinates have a clear sense of the task ahead and can begin critical preparations such as reconnaissance or organizing logistics.

Example: If the WARNORD specifies a short preparation window, units can prioritize actions like pre-positioning supplies or conducting a terrain analysis to optimize readiness.

A clear and comprehensive WARNORD minimizes uncertainty and fosters proactive engagement.

For instance, knowing the timeline enables subordinates to allocate resources effectively, while detailed instructions prevent miscommunication or errors during mission preparation.

Leaders should emphasize clarity and brevity in the WARNORD to ensure every team member understands their initial responsibilities.

Step #3: Make a Tentative Plan

The tentative plan serves as the initial framework for mission execution, providing a draft strategy that guides early preparations while leaving room for adjustments. This step involves a more detailed analysis of METT-TC factors to ensure that the plan aligns with the mission’s objectives and constraints.

Leaders use this step to explore various possibilities, identify potential challenges, and draft solutions.

Flexibility remains essential in this phase. Since reconnaissance and further information will refine the strategy, the tentative plan must be adaptable to accommodate new data or shifting conditions.

Example: If a terrain analysis identifies a bottleneck, the tentative plan might include alternative routes to prevent delays or potential ambushes.

The tentative plan acts as a living document, evolving through continuous input and feedback. It provides the necessary structure for subsequent steps, such as reconnaissance and finalizing the plan, while ensuring all critical elements are accounted for.

Focus on creating a plan that balances thoroughness with adaptability, ensuring all possible scenarios are considered without locking into rigid strategies.

Step #4: Start a Necessary Movement

Initiating movement is a critical step to ensure readiness while planning efforts continue.

The fourth step focuses on mobilizing resources, troops, and equipment to designated locations or staging areas. It is designed to maximize efficiency and reduce potential delays, enabling swift execution when the plan is finalized.

Timeliness is crucial during this phase, as early actions can significantly influence the mission’s overall success.

Leaders prioritize tasks such as organizing transportation, coordinating schedules, and securing essential supplies. For example, positioning fuel and ammunition at forward locations can eliminate logistical bottlenecks during critical moments.

Similarly, ensuring that communication equipment is distributed and operational allows teams to stay connected as they prepare for deployment. These measures lay the groundwork for smooth transitions between planning and execution.

A proactive approach to movement not only conserves time but also strengthens the team’s ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.

Step #5: Reconnoiter

Reconnaissance is a crucial step for validating assumptions and collecting real-time information about the operational environment. The process enhances the accuracy of mission planning by confirming or refining key details regarding enemy forces, terrain features, and potential obstacles.

Effective reconnaissance minimizes uncertainties and allows planners to make informed adjustments to the tentative plan.

Multiple reconnaissance methods are utilized based on the mission requirements. Aerial surveys provide a broad view of the terrain and potential enemy activity, while satellite imagery offers detailed insights into locations and infrastructure.

Ground patrols deliver on-the-ground intelligence, allowing for a close examination of critical areas. Each method contributes unique data points, which are synthesized to build a comprehensive operational picture.

For example, during a mission to secure a strategic bridge, reconnaissance may reveal that the enemy has fortified positions on the opposite side, requiring a change in the approach route or the use of diversionary tactics.

Such findings enable leaders to adapt their strategies to reduce risk and increase mission success.

Step #6: Complete the Plan

Completing the plan is a critical phase where all mission details are finalized, including insights gained through reconnaissance and additional intelligence. This step ensures that every element of the plan is aligned with the mission’s objectives and is practical given the available resources and identified challenges.

The completed plan should address the mission’s key objectives with precision. It includes a clear timeline for each phase of the operation, resource allocation for personnel and equipment, and contingency measures for unexpected developments.

For example, if reconnaissance reveals a risk of enemy reinforcements along a planned route, the final plan may include alternative paths or diversion tactics to mitigate the threat.

Collaboration with the team during this step is vital to ensure feasibility and collective readiness. Leaders must engage their subordinates in reviewing the plan, and encouraging feedback to identify any gaps or oversights. This iterative process strengthens the plan and fosters confidence among team members.

For instance, during a rescue mission, the plan might include contingencies for delayed extraction, such as establishing a temporary safe zone. Such measures provide flexibility, ensuring that the mission can adapt to dynamic conditions without compromising its primary goals.

Step #7: Issue the Complete Order

Issuing the finalized operations order (OPORD) is a critical step that transitions planning into execution. The OPORD ensures that every subordinate fully grasps their roles, responsibilities, and the mission’s overarching objectives.

Clarity is the cornerstone of this phase, as even minor ambiguities can result in significant operational setbacks. Leaders must present the order in a structured and organized manner, typically including sections such as the situation, mission, execution, service support, and command and signal.

To enhance comprehension, leaders often conduct back-briefs or interactive Q&A sessions where subordinates can seek clarification and demonstrate their understanding of the plan.

For example, in a mission involving multiple units converging on a single objective, the OPORD specifies the exact timing, routes, and tasks for each unit.

Step #8: Supervise and Refine

Supervision and refinement are critical processes of Troop Leading Procedures that ensure operational efficiency and mission readiness. These tasks require leaders to remain engaged, addressing any issues that arise and maintaining adaptability as conditions evolve.

Effective supervision involves a hands-on approach, where leaders monitor progress, provide guidance, and verify that every aspect of the mission is executed according to plan.

One essential element of this step is conducting pre-mission rehearsals. Rehearsals help identify potential weak points in the plan, such as communication breakdowns, logistical oversights, or unrealistic timelines.

Inspections of equipment, personnel readiness, and resource availability are equally important to ensure that all elements align with mission objectives.

Leaders also play a key role in refining the plan based on the latest intelligence and situational changes. It may involve making adjustments to timelines, reallocating resources, or altering troop movements.

Through consistent supervision and refinement, leaders foster accountability, enhance team cohesion, and ensure that the mission is prepared for successful execution.

Example: If unexpected weather conditions arise, leaders may need to adapt the plan to account for reduced visibility or difficult terrain.

The Bottom Line

The eight essential steps of Troop Leading Procedures serve as a reliable framework for effective mission planning and execution.

By following this structured process, leaders ensure thorough preparation, adaptability, and clear communication, which are critical for success in dynamic operational environments.

Each step builds on the previous one, creating a cohesive and practical approach to achieving mission objectives while addressing challenges effectively.

Sources

• University of Toledo – FRAGO
• T-Rex Arms – What is METT-TC
• United Nations – Operational Readiness Preparation for Troop Contributing Countries in Peacekeeping Missions 
• Science Direct – Aerial Image
• Science Direct – Intelligence Collection
• Army – Communication Guidebook